How Snaking Pipes Clears Clogs
If you are facing a clogged pipe and looking for information about snaking pipes, put your learning cap on because you’ve come to the right place. Many people are familiar with the liquid drain cleaners you buy at the store, but if you have a serious clog it may require a plumber’s snake.
These thin flexible snakes are able to get to hard-to-reach places in your pipes to break up or remove stubborn clogs. Since there are many different types of pipes in your home, there are also many different types of snakes. No matter which pipe in your home is clogged, there’s a snake fit for the job.
Start By Removing Visible Obstructions From The Pipe
The first thing you’ll want to do is check for any visible obstructions in your drain or pipe. Maybe there’s a doll head or pet toy wedged in there, or maybe there’s a removable stopper or filter that was overlooked.
Hairballs, food, and soap scum also commonly cause clogs that stop water from draining down the pipe. Check for visible obstructions first, since you never know what you might find blocking your drain.
Choose Between Snaking and Drain Cleaning
There are a couple of different things that could be going on with your pipes when you have a drainage issue. You may need to remove a stubborn clog with a snake or you may need a proper drain cleaning service, it may even get to a point where you have to outweigh the pros and cons of having hydro-jetting services vs. snaking.Snaking pipes cannot replace draining cleanings because you’re dealing with two different issues. A plumber’s snake is appropriate when you’re already keeping up with routine drain cleanings and a single clog is the culprit. Over the years your pipes get coated in sludge that can buildup and cause a blockage that requires a professional drain cleaning.
During this process, a plumber inserts a high-pressure hose into the pipe that blasts off any stubborn gunk. Professional plumbers suggest that homeowners get a professional drain cleaning every 2-3 years on household drains, but basement drains and sewer lines require extra attention. Drains near large tree-root systems or very old pipes should be monitored closely as well.
If you’ve determined that a plumber’s snake is in order, it’s important to know how it works. The thin flexible metal coil is inserted into the drain when the operator cranks the handle. It enters like a corkscrew, which allows for the interior walls of the pipe and the middle of the pipe to be treated. Once the clog is broken up or stuck in the snake’s coil and removed, your clog problem is over.
Choose to Work with a Pro
Unless you’re a professional plumber yourself, it’s best to hire one to snake your pipes for you. Although snaking a drain seems simple in concept, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the type of snake. For example, if you use the wrong type of snake on a toilet you could crack the porcelain leaving you with broken pipes to repair.
Use any motorized snake incorrectly, and you could do some serious damage to plastic or copper pipes. If you try snaking your own sewer line you could end up in a disgusting nightmare of a situation. Even though snaking pipes yourself might be enticing, it’s best left up to professionals to avoid any costly and inconvenient mistakes.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
Family owned and operated while serving Holmdel and throughout Monmouth County, Force Plumbing and Heating LLC are your trusted hometown plumbers. From emergency repairs to a bathroom remodel, you’ll receive reliable high-quality workmanship, competitive upfront pricing, and hassle-free experience from start to finish.
